The Impact of Macroeconomic Factors on the Financial Performance of Selected Airlines Operating Into Kenya

Abstract

The growth of the economy is argued to have a positive impact on financial performance of various key sectors. Economic growth is measured using indicators such as the GDP growth rate, inflation rate, interest rates, exchange rates, money supply among others. This study focused on investigating the impact of origin countries GDP growth, Inflation rates and Interest rates on net income of selected airlines that operate in Kenya. Data on macroeconomic factors was collected from World Bank website for the period of between 2005 and 2014. Data on airlines net income was collected from the published financial statements for the period 2005 to 2014. The published financial statements were audited and as such their use increased the reliability and validity of the findings and conclusions. Audited statements of comprehensive income, statements of financial position, of the selected airlines were collected from their respective websites. Statistical methods correlation and regression analysis were used to test the relationship between the macroeconomic indicators and net income of airlines. The results revealed a negative significant relationship between origin inflation and net income of airlines. The results further revealed a negative and significant relationship between origin interest rates and net income of the airlines. The relationship between origin GDP growth and net income of the airlines was insignificant at 5% significant level.